Sault High Wins Big in Homecoming Game

The perfect end to an exciting Homecoming week, the Sault High Varsity Football team (4-2) scorched the Maple City Glen Lake Lakers in a non-conference game. The evening’s Homecoming activities started with a parade through town led by the Vietnam Veterans color guard, and showcased the class floats, Homecoming court, Sault High Poms team, Sault High Marching Band, Junior Blue Devils Football teams, LSSU Lakers and local First Responders.

The Blue Devils hit the field ready to play, coming off of a tough loss in Marquette last week. In the first quarter, Callen Campbell had a 34 yard interception return for the first touchdown of the game. Aaron McLeod’s extra point kick was good. The Blue Devils were up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Kaydin Lujan had a 9 yard touchdown run in the second quarter, followed by another successful McLeod extra point kick. Lujan scored again with another touchdown run, this time taking it 32 yards. McLeod’s extra point kick was again good. Camden Labadie had a 30 yard touchdown reception from Campbell, and McLeod delivered his fourth extra point. Maple City Glen Lake answered with a 60 yd touchdown reception, and the extra point kick was good. Labadie had another 30 yd touchdown reception from Campbell. Danny Denuccio-McShane passed to Kaydin Lujan for the two point conversion. The score was 36-7 at the half.

The halftime festivities started with an exciting halftime show by the Sault High Marching Band. The Homecoming court was escorted across the track by their families, with Garrett Gorsuch and Liza Fazzari being crowned this year’s King and Queen. Finally, the Senior class was announced as the winner of the week long Homecoming competition, which included lobby decorating, spirit week dress days, pep rally games and a food drive for the school’s food pantry.

In the third quarter, the lone score was thanks to Lujan with a 4 yard touchdown run, followed by another good kick by McLeod. Blue Devils 43, Lakers 7. The Blue Devils wrapped up the night in the fourth quarter with a two yard touchdown run by Cale Bell. McLeod delivered one final time and the extra point kick was good. The final score was 50-7.

On offense, the Blue Devils had a solid rushing game. Lujan led the way with 15 carries for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns;

Ryver Ryckeghem had 8 carries for 50 yards; Labadie had 2 carries for 49 yards, and Cale Bell had 5 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. Campbell’s passing game was on point, going 8 for 12 for 192 yards and 2 touchdown passes. The Blue Devils receivers also had a successful night. Labadie had 3 catches for 69 yds and 2 touchdowns; Tristan Walcher had 1 catch for 44 yds; Danny Denuccio-Mcshane had 2 catches for 32 yds; Lujan also had 2 catches for 32 yds, and Bell had 1 catch for 9 yards.

The Blue Devils defense showed no mercy, holding the Lakers to only seven points. Lujan led the squad with 9 tackles and 1 fumble recovery; Campbell had 5 tackles and 1 interception for a touchdown; Brett Siesel had 4 tackles; Carson Kronemeyer had 4 tackles; Walcher had 4 tackles;

Joey Gravelle had 2 tackles and 2 pass defenses; Ryan TenEyck had 1 tackle and 4 pass defenses; Chris Kiekhaefer had 1 tackle, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defense.

On special teams, Ten Eyck had 4 punt returns, including a 33 yard return. McLeod was 6 for 6 kicking extra points, and a special mention to Jesse Justice-Beck for excellent long snapping, and Denuccio-Mcshane for his placeholding on the kicks.

The Blue Devils (4-2 overall; 1-2 conference) head to Alpena (1-5 overall; 0-4 conference) for their last road game of the season. This Big North Conference game is the first of a three game conference series to wrap up the 2023 regular season.